SION HAVE threatened to take Uefa to the criminal courts after losing their appeal against being expelled from the Europa League.

Celtic will play in Group I – which begins tomorrow – in place of the Swiss club, after Uefa stood by its decision to kick Sion out of the competition. Sion were adjudged to have fielded ineligible players in their play-off victory over Celtic, and the two legs were forfeited as a consequence.

Sion’s anger intensified after a Swiss regional court ruled that the club should be reinstated into the Europa League. Besides an almost certain appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Sion have plans to take matters further.

Christian Constantin, the Sion president, said after Uefa’s ruling:

“I give one hour to (Uefa president, Michel) Platini and we will file a criminal complaint. The decision of the Swiss court this morning to be executed. That’s it.”

Alexandre Zen Ruffinen, Sion’s lawyer, said: “Uefa believe they are above the law and must face the consequences.

“I can’t understand their non-adherence to Swiss law. Uefa has abused its position. It has disobeyed a court order.”

Sion argue that the players in question – who Uefa claims were signed during a transfer embargo – had permission to face Celtic.

Celtic issued a brief statement, which said: “Clearly, Celtic are pleased with the decision.”